Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global rivalry in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
